Learning in Later Life Students' Association

Traditional Music Club

The 3Ls Traditional Music Club meets on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month from 12.15 – 2.15pm in Room 740, Level 7.

New members very welcome.

This is very much a hands-on club, and our meeting format reflects this. Every member present gets to entertain the others by taking it in turns to sing or play (or both). We often team up to form impromptu duos, trios etc as the fancy takes us. We have even enjoyed the odd poetry recital! Relaxed music-making in a friendly atmosphere is what we do.

Our members come from a fair range of musical backgrounds and this is reflected in the different songs, tunes and styles you’ll hear. Instruments currently being played include guitar, ukulele, mandolin, whistle, harmonica, fiddle, autoharp, tenor banjo, dobro, melodica, octave mandola, bouzouki and mandolin banjo.

New recruits are always welcome and you can come along and try us first before deciding whether or not to join. Although most members will sing a song or play an instrument, there is no pressure whatever to do so. Members can just sit back and enjoy the music if they so wish.

Club members en masse (1)

Club members en masse (2)

Ann & Maureen on whistles

We’ve been involved in some interesting projects in the past. One of those was the Mix@ages inter-generational European Project project which drew members of the club together with students from the Royal Scottish Conservatoire to make music and record. We are also occasionally asked to provide music for other events both within the university (Tempus) and outside.

The Mix@ages gang in the RCS recording studio

Katie & Leon, with Irene B, at Cockelsloan Day Centre

In aid of the 3Ls president’s charity last year, Alan Knox created a video of the club in action copies of which sold very well. Here are some stills from that.